Columbia Sportswear, pioneer in the design and manufacture of outdoor sports apparel, equipment and accessories, recently concluded the Columbia Eco Trail Run. Held in Mt. Pinatubo, one of the country’s most formidable peaks, the trail run challenged participants on October 13, 2012 in 5K, 12K, and 25K categories.

Participants began their run at the Clark Nayon Filipino, Pampanga, and they proceeded on a trail with a variety of road features, such as valleys and river crossings. With 95 percent of the event spanning a water route, the run proved to be an enjoyable and unique challenge for the trail runners. The Columbia Eco Trail Run not only encouraged running enthusiasts, but attracted local personalities as well. Joining both the beginner and more experienced runners were celebrities Drew Arellano, Kiko Rustia, Gab Valenciano, Will Devaughn, Gian Magdangal, JC Tiuseco and “Kuya” Kim Atienza.

The Pinatubo trail run was an event Columbia organized to draw the attention of runners to a location they typically do not go to, and increase everyone’s awareness of Mt. Pinatubo as a weekend destination. The local community contributed to its success with the participation of marshals to the runners.

Columbia Sportswear gave away a total of ₱150,000 in prizes and raffle items. Columbia Brand Manager Tiffany Batungbacal shares, “This is so far the biggest Eco Trail event we have ever done. We are giving away cash, prizes and so many raffle items. We have so many people to thank for making this event possible! The local community for all their assistance and, of course, the sponsors, volunteers and all the participants who are here today just made the event bigger than what we had hoped for.”

Columbia Sportswear has long been known for promoting a responsible outdoor lifestyle, and the Eco Trail Run in Mt. Pinatubo is another example of how the brand is committed to this advocacy. Brand Manager Tiffany Batungbacal shares, “It’s really hard but fulfilling organizing these kinds of events. We continue to work hard in coming up with exciting and challenging outdoor activities that will take people to places they wouldn’t normally go to or challenges they wouldn’t normally take.”